6.2.11

a red dress


Thank you so much for your lovely comments on my good homes post, it really is very special to be able to share my excitement with you all and quite something that you left such sweet and encouraging thoughts.

I went to Oxford Street last week for a lesson on using my new toy. All part of the service apparently, John Lewis really are the tops. This baby was funded partly by the vouchers given to me by the PTA at the end of my stint last summer, some more by my parents for my birthday and the remainder by my OH because he is lovely. My lack of overlocker knowledge has been the main reason for the delay in getting back into dressmaking since the children went back to school. Not any more though! Now that it's out of the box, threaded up and running happily, I decided it was high time for a spot of sewing for me for a change.

Now this fabric was practically a steal; it was sent from an Etsy seller in error and given it came all the way from Japan, she told me not to bother sending it back. So this beauty was a 2 metre freebie and my favourite colour no less! Somehow it wasn't so painful when I reached for the scissors.


I love this fabric. Soft, comfortable fine baby cord feels so good against the skin and I really like the cheery paisley pattern, along with its grey dots and cream background. I adore the pattern too and have to say it felt pretty darned good to sew from some English instructions for a change. For anyone toying with the idea of making an easy dress, this is without doubt a good place to start. Built by Wendy, Simplicity 3835 cannot be more straightforward, it is quick to sew and because of its simple shape there is loads of scope to 'make it your own' as the X-Factor judges would say! For this dress I merged two of the style options, using the blouse for the top half and the dress part for the length. I gave myself a couple of pockets for a change too. If you search through the built by us flickr group, there are a heap of different versions that will inspire. I'll definitely be doing another of these, not only on account of the ease and speedy result, nor for the fact that it only takes a couple of metres but because I know it will be a delight to wear. I just need some warmer weather to do that!!

34 comments:

  1. Very pretty red dress!

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  2. That is one cute dress. And lucky you to have a new machine. I certainly love my overlocker/serger. Enjoy!

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  3. I had a pattern like that many years ago and I made it up in various different materials with long sleeves and short. I even made it in a cheap cotton to wear as a pottery cover-all as it was so quick and easy to sew so I know you will be making good use of that pattern. Love the fabric and with your overlocker to finish it all off nicely you will soon have several I'm sure!

    Jane

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  4. The danish colours. It is lovely and very simple.
    And yesa bit warmer is probably preferable.
    Have a lovely day.
    # Jeannet

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  5. Thats lovely! And you make a fab model. If ever I buy a new machine, i will get it from JL! xxx

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  6. Hi Kate...the dress is so pretty and fresh...and will also look great with a bit of a summer tan (only teasing!) That was an exceptional blessing to get that fabric..amazing..especially as it suits you so well!

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  7. Such a pretty dress, and the fabric is lovely, lucky you to get it by accident! I've seen that particular pattern crop up quite a lot in blogland and always pondered on giving it a go myself - I keep saying that I want to have a go at dressmaking, I really ought to do something about it!
    R x

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  8. That could just be the perfect dress - beautiful.

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  9. You certainly have a winner there - a lovely dress AND comfortable to wear too. I'm sure you'll do more of these with all sorts of variations.
    Unfortunately we've decided not to stay in London this time so probably will not be able to catch up with you THIS TIME. Don't know exactly our plans as yet. Thought we would decide when we get there and see what the weather does. But we'll be back.... or you could always come over here ?
    Cheers
    Helen

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  10. It is a beautiful dress. I hope the weather warms up soon so that you can wear it in the sunshine. Congratulations on your new toy too. I know you have been yearning for one for a while now! T x

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  11. I think you have a winner here! The design of the dress is so rewarding it feels like the perfect piece. I know because I have made several of these for me and my daughter (sans pockets).
    Love the dress especially the fabric and the adorable pattern on it!

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  12. What luck getting fabric sent by mistake! The dress is gorgeous, it looks so comfortable and the fabric is lovely. I think I will make a note of that dress pattern for future reference. Can't wait to see what you make next. x

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  13. It´s just stunning! It´s the right pattern to show off this beautiful fabric. I love it.

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  14. Your dress is lovely!! i am looking for some labels to sew onto my sewing projects. Where did you order yours from?

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  15. Such a lovely dress, lovely fabric and beautifully made! Helen x

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  16. It's lovely and looks great on you: beautiful dress and beautiful fabric. Very, very stylish indeed. x

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  17. Perhaps you could wear it with a long sleeved white tshirt underneath, otherwise you might be waiting for months for the sunshine to arrive!
    I've noted down the pattern number, I've not made clothes since I was at school but your wonderful dress has inspired me.x

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  18. It looks realy good you should be so proud of yourself, I think it would look great over jeans as well if you cannot wait until the summer!

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  19. Wow I love that dress and the fabric is gorgeous! Looks like someone else is having some great luck lately :-)

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  20. Oh my word - I want that dress, I love that fabric and baby cord as well - I'm in dress/fabric heaven.

    Nina xxx

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  21. It's gorgeous Kate! The fabric is lovely and how fortunate to get it.
    Beautifully made too, clever you!
    Hope the weather to wear it comes really soon. :)
    Vivienne x
    BTW, I don't have any Sylvac rabbits but I have 2 dogs!

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  22. I love everything about this post. That dress is gorgeous, as is your necklace. Thanks for all the information!

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  23. Your dress is lovely and has a great drape for needlecord. i have a blouse pattern that's quite similar - might have to make one of these for myself!

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  24. Oh Oh this dress is just fab, its so 'me' I want one.... Mmmm pattern, think I need to go shopping!!!! beautiful work...

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  25. Love it! Also had a nosey around the flickr group link. Some lovely dresses but I liked yours best :)

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  26. Such a pretty dress and how lucky was that with the fabric! I don't have an overlocker - so will have to take your word for it :0) is it just like the overlocking stitch on a regular sewing machine? I've seen them, just never quite understood them (showing my ignorance lol).

    Love the fabric and colours!

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  27. Wow it looks fantastic! Your very clever!
    love
    Lyn
    xxx

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  28. Thanks for the pattern tip, I will look for one on my next trip to the fabric store.
    Yours is just adorable and sure looks comfortable.
    http://creativecaincabin.blogspot.com/

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  29. Hi, I hope you are still here as I see this this an old post. I love the dress and have been trying to find the pattern. I cannot find it. Not on simplicity's website, not ebay, no where. Can you tell me where you found it or help me find it? Sincerely, Jenny

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    1. This comment has been removed by the author.

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    2. Hello Jenny, yes, I'm still here ;)
      Unfortunately this pattern went out of print some time ago but I have some good news for you. I did a quick internet search and found that you can buy it now as a digital download
      http://sewingpatterns.com/sub_item.php?item_num=3835SIM&model=%&new_category=search&view=gallery&brand=&category=search&pageGoto=0&pageFormat=3|186|186&pageCount=18&search=3835&return=yes

      Happy sewing!

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